Government Launches Overdue Review of QCAT Act

The State Government has taken decisive action to restart the long-overdue review of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (QCAT Act), appointing the Honourable David Thomas to lead the process.

The newly appointed reviewer, Mr Thomas, is a highly respected figure in the legal community. His distinguished career includes service as a Judge of the Federal Court of Australia, a Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland, and as a former President of both QCAT and the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

QCAT plays a crucial role in resolving a wide range of civil, administrative, and disciplinary matters across Queensland. It delivers essential services to individuals, businesses, and Government bodies through mediation, dispute resolution, decision-making, and reviews. The review will assess the legislative framework of the QCAT Act, with a focus on addressing operational pressures and structural inefficiencies. It will also explore ways to ensure the tribunal continues to meet its objectives in a timely and effective manner.

The government want to ensure that QCAT is appropriately designed to meet its objectives by focusing on the structure of the tribunal, the legislation that confers jurisdiction and matters to the tribunal, and procedural and operational efficiencies. Following the growing increase of hearing delays and backlogs, ways to alleviate rising pressures on the tribunal will be identified. Mr Thomas will consult widely with the legal profession, QCAT users, and the small business community in accordance with the new Terms of Reference. The final report is due by 30 April 2026 and will be tabled in the Queensland Legislative Assembly.

For further information, read through the Terms of Reference below.

QCAT Act 2009 Review – Terms of Reference

If you have any feedback regarding your experience with QCAT, please email penny.cornah@mpaq.com.au so we can pass your comments on to Mr Thomas as part of the review process.